NTSB Issues Recommendations After 2 Accidents

NILES, Mich. (AP) -- Federal officials say railroad accidents last year in Michigan and Illinois were caused by workers not following required safety precautions.

The National Transportation Safety Board said Friday that both the Feb. 28 accident in Madison, Ill., and the Oct. 21 accident near the southwestern Michigan city of Niles involved signal maintenance operations. It issued recommendations to address the improper use of jumper wires during maintenance and repairs.

A motorist died in Illinois after her vehicle collided with an Amtrak train. Officials say the gate arms were up and warning lights were deactivated.

Another Amtrak train derailed in Michigan, and investigators say the train was on the wrong track due to a reversed switch. Fourteen people were injured.

The Federal Railroad Administration and Federal Railroad Administration have 90 days to respond.

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